YES Co-Founder Bassist Chris Squire Dead At 67

Grammy Award-winning bass guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of YES, Chris Squire, has died after a battle with Acute Erythroid Leukemia (AEL), an uncommon form of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was 67 years old.

Squire’s YES bandmate Geoff Downes wrote on Twitter: “Utterly devastated beyond words to have to report the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, bandmate and inspiration Chris Squire.”

YES has also released a statement on Squire’s passing. It reads: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts and unbearable sadness that we must inform you of the passing of our dear friend and YES co-founder, Chris Squire. Chris peacefully passed away last night in Phoenix Arizona, in the arms of his loving wife Scotty.

“For the entirety of YES’ existence, Chris was the band’s linchpin and, in so many ways, the glue that held it together over all these years. Because of his phenomenal bass-playing prowess, Chris influenced countless bassists around the world, including many of today’s well-known artists. Chris was also a fantastic songwriter, having written and co-written much of YES’ most endearing music, as well as his solo album, ‘Fish Out Of Water’. Outside of YES, Chris was a loving husband to Scotty and father to Carmen, Chandrika, Camille, Cameron, and Xilan.

“With his gentle, easy-going nature, Chris was a great friend of many … including each of us. But he wasn’t merely our friend: he was also part of our family and we shall forever love and miss him.”

Join Us On Facebook!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in our website are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive a commission. We only recommend products or services we use personally and/or believe will add value to our readers.